Geography
The beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands are situated 575 miles (or 75 minutes) southeast of Miami. Covering 193 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, the Turks and Caicos Islands has the third largest coral reef system and the best tropical beaches in the world, making it a premier beach, diving and snorkelling destination and an ideal location for romance, family vacations, ecotourism and adventure seekers, which is probably why 60% of our visitors come back over and over again.

The Tourism industry gives Turks and Caicos its main revenue. In addition to this the country is also a major offshore financial center. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout the Turks and Caicos islands on South Caicos in particular. The island of Providenciales is our main tourist island, you will find International style hotel accommodations, each one has its own unique set up and surroundings with most of them being located on the beach as well as world class spas and cuisine. Native dishes such as fresh fish and peas and rice are served along with international cuisine with tropical twists, you will find this at most of the restaurants. More casual, rustic and intimate accommodations can be found on the other islands and smaller cays.

It is estimated that the Turks and Caicos Islands population has between 20,000 and 25,000 residents.

History
The name Turks is derived after the indigenous Turk's Head "fez" cactus, and the name Caicos is a Lucayan term "caya hico," meaning string of islands. Columbus was said to have discovered the islands in 1492, but some still argue that Ponce de Leon arrived first. Whichever it was, the first people to truly discover the islands were the Taino Indians, who unfortunately left little behind but ancient utensils. Then the Lucayans eventually replaced the Tainos but by the middle of the 16th Century they too had disappeared, victims of Spanish enslavement and imported disease.

The 17th century saw the arrival of settlers from Bermuda, who established themselves on Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos. They used slaves to rake salt for British colonies in America, and were later joined by British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. The economy of the island revolved around the rich cotton and sisal plantations, their harvests sold in London and New York. Due to competition and the thin soil, however, the cotton plantations slowly deteriorated, most of them finally perishing in a hurricane in 1813. Solar salt became the main economy of the islands.

Logistics
Turks and Caicos are relatively easy to get to via single connection flights on US Airways, Delta, and American.


Activities and attractions

Grace Bay
Voted “Best Beach” by Conde' Nast magazine. The Turks and Caicos Islands pride themselves on the pristine powder white sand beaches that surround all of our islands. You can truly relax and enjoy your
vacation in peace and tranquility while tanning or reading on the beach. Even when the resorts are sold out you will not find an over crowded beach. In the morning hours you can even follow your own footprints back along the seashore.

SCUBA and snorkeling
The Turks and Caicos Islands are famous for the 1,000 square miles of reef that surrounds us. We have been ranked"Best Fish Life", "Best Overall Destination", "Top Fifteen Most Popular Dive Destinations Worldwide", "Best Wall Diving", "Best Beginner Diving", "Best Big Animal Encounters" , and most recently ranked #1 Healthiest Marine Environment" all from Rodales’ Scuba Diving Magazine.

If that isn’t enough to get you here the "Best Tropical Beaches in the World" from Conde Nast rating will. We are fortunate to be blessed with crystal clear turquoise waters and powder white sand beaches making it heaven for the beach enthusiast. A variety of water sport activities are available as well as land based activities.